Ren Shen (Ginseng)
【Name】Ren Shen
【Alias】Ren Jin, Bang Chui, Tai Shen, Hai Yu, Shen Cao, Ren Xian, Bang Cui, Hong Shen, Bai Shen, Tang Shen, Yuan Shen, Shan Shen, Ye Shan Shen, Shai Shan Shen, Bai Tang Shen, Bai Ren Shen, Bai Shai Shen, Ji Lin Shen, Ye Tai Shen, Bai Chi Chu, Sheng Shai Shen,
【Nature】Neutral, Sweet, Slightly Bitter. Enters the Spleen, Lung, and Heart Meridians. Ascending.
【Functions】Greatly tonifies Yuan Qi, replenishes Qi to rescue from collapse, benefits the Spleen and Lung, generates fluids and quenches thirst, calms the spirit and enhances intelligence.
【Characteristics of Efficacy】This herb is adept at tonifying the Qi of the Spleen and Lung. The Spleen is the source of transformation and transportation, while the Lung governs the Qi of the entire body. When the Qi of the Spleen and Lung is sufficient, the overall Qi of the body is vigorous, making it a prime herb for tonifying Yuan Qi. It can also benefit Qi and generate fluids, alleviating thirst and calming the spirit, thus serving as the primary herb for treating deficiency and internal injury. Therefore, for any signs of Qi deficiency, whether it be Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, fatigue and weakness, reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, or Lung deficiency with shortness of breath, or spontaneous sweating due to Gallbladder deficiency, restlessness, insomnia with vivid dreams, palpitations, forgetfulness, or fluid deficiency with dry mouth and thirst, as well as conditions of insufficient Qi, blood, and fluids, it has certain therapeutic effects. Due to its strong Qi-replenishing ability, it is especially crucial for all major illnesses, chronic diseases, significant blood loss, or severe vomiting and diarrhea, where there is extreme deficiency of Yuan Qi leading to imminent collapse and faint pulse. However, while this herb can enhance the patient’s resistance to disease in critical collapse situations, such as acute collapse due to continuous bleeding, it should only be used as an emergency measure and not as a hemostatic method; active treatment of the cause of bleeding should be undertaken to avoid delaying the condition. This herb can also be used for blood deficiency, especially when simple blood tonics are ineffective, it should be combined with blood tonics to enhance efficacy. Due to its slightly warm and non-drying nature, it can be applied to all Qi deficiency conditions, regardless of whether they are cold or hot.
【Effects】
1. Tonifies Qi and rescues from collapse: Used for all forms of collapse, symptoms include pale complexion, cold extremities, excessive sweating, nausea, and lethargy, or sudden fainting with a faint pulse, it can be used alone as a decoction for urgent oral administration; if Qi collapse is accompanied by cold limbs and spontaneous sweating indicating loss of Yang, it can be combined with Fu Zi (Aconite) as in Shen Fu Decoction.
2. Benefits the Spleen and Lung: ① For Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, symptoms include fatigue, weakness in the limbs, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, or upper abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, and various causes of Qi deficiency and weakness. It can be combined with Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), and Gan Cao (Licorice) as in Si Jun Zi Decoction; if there is deficiency due to overwork and insufficient Yuan Qi, to enhance Qi tonification, it can be combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus) as in Shen Qi Gao; if there is overwork leading to both Qi and blood deficiency, it can be combined with Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) as in Liang Yi Gao, or with Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Shao (White Peony), Huang Qi, Rou Gui (Cinnamon), Bai Zhu, Shu Di, and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) as in Ren Shen Yang Rong Decoction; if there is Spleen deficiency with dampness and loose stools, it can be combined with Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bai Bian Dou (Lima Bean), Bai Zhu, and Lian Zi (Lotus Seed) as in Shen Ling Bai Zhu San; if there is sinking of Middle Qi and chronic diarrhea or rectal prolapse, it can be combined with Huang Qi, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum) as in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Decoction. ② For Lung deficiency with cough and shortness of breath, such as treating pulmonary tuberculosis with hemoptysis, it can be combined with Zi Wan (Aster), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), and E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) as in Zi Wan Decoction; for Lung and Kidney deficiency with wheezing, it can be combined with He Tao Ren (Walnut) and Wu Wei Zi as in Ren Shen He Tao Decoction, or with He Gua (Gecko) as in Ren Shen He Gua San.
3. Generates fluids and quenches thirst: ① For heat diseases injuring Yin, with both Qi and fluid deficiency, shortness of breath and thirst, or loss of fluids and heart failure with a faint and weak pulse, it can be combined with Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) and Wu Wei Zi as in Sheng Mai San; in recent years, Sheng Mai injection has been developed for rescuing from infectious toxic shock, showing certain efficacy. ② For diabetes with thirst and polyuria, it can be combined with Sheng Di (Rehmannia), Huang Qi, Mai Dong, and Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes) for treatment.
4. Calms the spirit and enhances intelligence: Used for deficiency of both Heart and Spleen, symptoms include palpitations and forgetfulness, fatigue and weakness (such as neurasthenia), it can be combined with Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Zao Ren (Jujube Seed), Yuan Ren (Longan), and Fu Ling as in Ren Shen Gui Pi Wan; if there is also insomnia with vivid dreams and mental confusion, it can be combined with Fu Ling, Chao Zhu (Acorus), Zao Ren, Long Gu (Dragon Bone), and Mu Li (Oyster Shell); if there is spontaneous sweating, it can be combined with Wu Wei Zi, Bai Shao, and Fu Xiao Mai (Wheat).
【Differentiation and Application】
1. There are many types and names of Ren Shen, mainly divided into three types: one is wild ginseng found in deep mountain forests, called Ye Shan Shen, which has a strong tonifying effect without drying properties; another is ginseng that is transplanted from the mountains to gardens, called Yi Shan Shen, which has similar effects to wild ginseng but has drying properties; the third is cultivated ginseng, called Yang Shen, which is slightly drying and warm, and is the most commonly sold in the market.
2. Ren Shen and Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) are similar in appearance but the latter is smaller, lighter, and white in color, which is considered superior. Initially, it has a bitter taste, gradually becoming sweet, providing a refreshing sensation and increasing fluids. For those with Lung and Stomach Yin deficiency with heat and insufficient fluids, Xi Yang Shen is preferred; for those with Lung and Stomach Qi deficiency unable to generate fluids, Ren Shen is preferred. The former is a sweet and cold fluid-generating herb, while the latter is a sweet and warm Qi-tonifying herb.
【Compatibility Applications】
1. Combined with Huang Qi and Gan Cao: Treats Qi deficiency with fever, spontaneous sweating, preference for warm drinks, shortness of breath, fatigue, pale complexion, loose stools, with a rapid and weak pulse, pale tongue, and thin white coating, as stated in the Compendium of Materia Medica: “With Huang Qi and Gan Cao, it can sweetly warm and eliminate great heat, drain Yin fire, tonify Yuan Qi, and is also a sacred medicine for sores.”
2. Combined with Fu Zi: Treats sudden loss of Yang Qi, cold hands and feet, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating with a faint pulse; to tonify postnatal Qi, nothing compares to Ren Shen, and to tonify prenatal Qi, nothing compares to Fu Zi. When used together appropriately, they can instantly transform Qi from nothingness.
3. Combined with Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger): Ren Shen tonifies Qi and strengthens the Spleen, while Gan Jiang warms the Middle and dispels cold; these two herbs complement each other in treating Middle Jiao deficiency and cold, with symptoms including diarrhea without thirst, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and cholera.
4. Combined with Chai Hu: Ren Shen supports the righteous Qi, while Chai Hu harmonizes; these two herbs complement each other to support the righteous and dispel evil, harmonizing the Shaoyang and allowing external pathogens to be released.
5. Combined with Mai Dong: Treats cough due to Lung and Kidney Yin deficiency with upward fire. Ren Shen is the main herb for tonifying the Lung, and if there is Lung heat injuring the Lung, Mai Dong can assist in cooling it down, thus Ren Shen combined with Mai Dong can benefit Qi, generate fluids, and greatly tonify Yin fluids, as Yin can restrain Yang, leading to the resolution of false heat.
6. Combined with Mai Dong and Wu Wei Zi to benefit Qi and generate fluids, restrain Yin and stop sweating, treating excessive sweating due to summer heat, or chronic cough with Lung deficiency, injuring both Qi and Yin. Ren Shen tonifies Lung Qi, Mai Dong clears Lung Qi, and Wu Wei Zi restrains Lung Qi, achieving a balance of tonification, clearing, and restraining, thus fulfilling the path of Qi nourishment.
7. Combined with Shu Di and Shan Zhu Yu: Ren Shen greatly tonifies Yuan Qi, while Shu Di and Shan Zhu Yu nourish Yin fluids, together they achieve the effect of benefiting Qi and nourishing blood.
8. Combined with Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark): Both tonifying and purging are applied to treat Spleen deficiency with food accumulation, achieving miraculous effects.
9. Combined with Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit) and Yuan Hu (Corydalis): Ren Shen tonifies the Kidney and benefits Yuan Qi, while Chuan Lian Zi and Yuan Hu move Qi and relieve pain; when used together, Yuan Qi is restored, and the pathways are unblocked, leading to pain relief.
10. Combined with Huang Bai (Phellodendron): Ren Shen greatly tonifies Yuan Qi, while Huang Bai clears and drains fire; together they are most effective for treating internal heat due to Yin deficiency.
11. Combined with Dai Zhe Shi (Hematite): Ren Shen can rescue from collapse of the Qi aspect, but if Qi is prone to rise, only Ren Shen should be used, as it may assist in rising; it must be used with Dai Zhe Shi to guide Qi back to the source, enhancing the downward action of Ren Shen’s tonifying effect, reaching the Yong Quan (Bubbling Spring) point.
【Application Precautions】
1. This herb primarily tonifies deficiency; it should be avoided in cases of Yin deficiency with Yang excess, tidal fever, bone steaming, Lung heat with phlegm cough and shortness of breath, Liver Yang hyperactivity with dizziness and red eyes, and other heat syndrome.
2. It should not be used in conjunction with Li Lu (Veratrum) or Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces).
3. Due to differences in origin and processing, the properties vary; when applying, it should be selected based on the severity of the condition. Wild ginseng has a stronger tonifying effect and can be used for extreme deficiency; cultivated ginseng, known as garden ginseng, has a weaker tonifying effect and is commonly used for general deficiency; Korean ginseng, also known as high-quality ginseng, has a strong Qi-replenishing effect and is suitable for Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency and collapse. The efficacy also varies based on processing methods, with raw sun-dried ginseng and red ginseng being the most effective, while white ginseng or sugar ginseng are less effective, and ginseng should be used in a more refined manner.
【Dosage】Oral administration: 1.5 to 9 grams, large doses can be used up to 10 to 30 grams, can be used in decoctions, pills, or as a paste.
【Source and Production Area】
It is the root of the plant Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. of the Araliaceae family. It is mainly produced in Jilin and Liaoning provinces in China; wild ones are called Ye Shan Shen or Shan Shen, mostly harvested in autumn. Cultivated ones are called Yuan Shen, mostly harvested from late September to early October. Wild ginseng is generally processed into raw sun-dried ginseng; cultivated ginseng can be divided into raw sun-dried ginseng, red ginseng, and white ginseng (sugar ginseng) based on different processing methods.
【Other Information】
According to the Classic of Herbal Medicine: “Ren Shen, sweet and slightly cold in nature. It mainly tonifies the five organs, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul, stops palpitations, eliminates evil Qi, brightens the eyes, opens the heart, enhances intelligence, and prolonged use lightens the body and extends life. Also known as Ren Xian and Gui Gai. Grows in mountain valleys.”
According to the Supplementary Records: “Regulates the Middle, stops thirst, and prevents forgetfulness.”
According to the Herbal Properties: “It is used for the five labors and seven injuries, deficiency and weakness, stops vomiting, tonifies the five organs and six bowels, protects the Middle and guards the spirit, … treats lung atrophy, … and is added for those who are deficient and have many dreams.”
According to the Pearl Bag: “Treats insufficient Yang Qi of the Lung and Stomach, Lung Qi deficiency with shortness of breath, tonifies the Middle, alleviates the Middle, and stops thirst while generating fluids.”
According to the Method of Medication: “Ren Shen is sweet and warm, capable of tonifying the Yuan Qi of the Lung; when Lung Qi is vigorous, the Qi of the four organs is also vigorous, essence is generated, and form is prosperous, as the Lung governs all Qi.”
According to the Compendium of Materia Medica: “Treats all deficiency syndromes in men and women, fever, spontaneous sweating, dizziness … hemoptysis, cough with blood, blood in stools, blood collapse, and various diseases before and after childbirth.”
According to the Herbal Correctness: “For Yin deficiency without excessive fire, Ren Shen should be used as the monarch; for Yin deficiency with slightly excessive fire, Ren Shen can be used as an assistant; if Yin deficiency with excessive fire, Ren Shen should be temporarily avoided, and only pure sweet and nourishing water should be used.”
According to the Herbal Classic Commentary: “Ren Shen can restore Yang Qi from collapse and expel evil Qi from sudden onset; its main treatment is to tonify the five organs. Although there are five organs, it speaks to the unblocking of life Qi as one; enhancing true Qi will tonify all five organs. The reason evil Qi lingers and does not leave is that true Qi is deficient and cannot resist, thus it remains and does not resolve; therefore, when true Qi is replenished and filled, evil cannot reside.”
According to the Classic of Herbal Medicine: “It is said that in cases of cold damage, it is appropriate to use Ren Shen in the medicine; when sweating, the Yuan Qi is greatly vigorous, and external evil takes the opportunity to exit. If the Yuan Qi is weak, even if the medicine is externally applied, the Qi will be deficient from within; in mild cases, it may not exit completely, leading to lingering symptoms; in severe cases, it may follow the Yuan Qi inward, causing continuous fever; therefore, for weak individuals, Ren Shen must be included in exterior-releasing medicines to ensure the medicine is effective and can be expelled in one surge.”
【Source and Production Area】
It is the root of the plant Panax ginseng C.A.Mey. of the Araliaceae family. It is mainly produced in Jilin and Liaoning provinces in China; wild ones are called Ye Shan Shen or Shan Shen, mostly harvested in autumn. Cultivated ones are called Yuan Shen, mostly harvested from late September to early October. Wild ginseng is generally processed into raw sun-dried ginseng; cultivated ginseng can be divided into raw sun-dried ginseng, red ginseng, and white ginseng (sugar ginseng) based on different processing methods.
【Other Information】
According to the Classic of Herbal Medicine: “Ren Shen, sweet and slightly cold in nature. It mainly tonifies the five organs, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul, stops palpitations, eliminates evil Qi, brightens the eyes, opens the heart, enhances intelligence, and prolonged use lightens the body and extends life. Also known as Ren Xian and Gui Gai. Grows in mountain valleys.”
According to the Supplementary Records: “Regulates the Middle, stops thirst, and prevents forgetfulness.”
According to the Herbal Properties: “It is used for the five labors and seven injuries, deficiency and weakness, stops vomiting, tonifies the five organs and six bowels, protects the Middle and guards the spirit, … treats lung atrophy, … and is added for those who are deficient and have many dreams.”
According to the Pearl Bag: “Treats insufficient Yang Qi of the Lung and Stomach, Lung Qi deficiency with shortness of breath, tonifies the Middle, alleviates the Middle, and stops thirst while generating fluids.”
According to the Method of Medication: “Ren Shen is sweet and warm, capable of tonifying the Yuan Qi of the Lung; when Lung Qi is vigorous, the Qi of the four organs is also vigorous, essence is generated, and form is prosperous, as the Lung governs all Qi.”
According to the Compendium of Materia Medica: “Treats all deficiency syndromes in men and women, fever, spontaneous sweating, dizziness … hemoptysis, cough with blood, blood in stools, blood collapse, and various diseases before and after childbirth.”
According to the Herbal Correctness: “For Yin deficiency without excessive fire, Ren Shen should be used as the monarch; for Yin deficiency with slightly excessive fire, Ren Shen can be used as an assistant; if Yin deficiency with excessive fire, Ren Shen should be temporarily avoided, and only pure sweet and nourishing water should be used.”
According to the Herbal Classic Commentary: “Ren Shen can restore Yang Qi from collapse and expel evil Qi from sudden onset; its main treatment is to tonify the five organs. Although there are five organs, it speaks to the unblocking of life Qi as one; enhancing true Qi will tonify all five organs. The reason evil Qi lingers and does not leave is that true Qi is deficient and cannot resist, thus it remains and does not resolve; therefore, when true Qi is replenished and filled, evil cannot reside.”
According to the Classic of Herbal Medicine: “It is said that in cases of cold damage, it is appropriate to use Ren Shen in the medicine; when sweating, the Yuan Qi is greatly vigorous, and external evil takes the opportunity to exit. If the Yuan Qi is weak, even if the medicine is externally applied, the Qi will be deficient from within; in mild cases, it may not exit completely, leading to lingering symptoms; in severe cases, it may follow the Yuan Qi inward, causing continuous fever; therefore, for weak individuals, Ren Shen must be included in exterior-releasing medicines to ensure the medicine is effective and can be expelled in one surge.”
【Precautions】Should not be used in conjunction with Li Lu or Wu Ling Zhi.
【Storage】Store in a cool, dry place, sealed to prevent pests.
